Pelvic Infections

Helping young women overcome the confusion, discomfort and pain associated with pelvic infections.

The adolescent gynecology providers at Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center in Omaha and Council Bluffs understand a young woman’s concerns and are sensitive to her health issues. We take the time to listen and explain pelvic issues and their symptoms.

Vaginitis

Bacteria, yeast, viruses, chemicals in care products and organisms passed between sexual partners can cause what is known as vaginitis. Vaginitis is an irritation of the vaginal skin and/or surrounding structures. A disturbance in any of these factors can trigger vaginitis.

Common types of vaginitis include:

Candida or "yeast" infection

Bacterial vaginosis

Trichomoniasis vaginitis

Chlamydia

Gonococcal vaginitis

Noninfectious vaginitis

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The best prevention of an STD is to abstain from any type of sexual contact with another person. However, if your adolescent becomes sexually active or is currently sexually active, there are precautionary measures to help reduce your adolescent's risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease. These include:

Having a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.

Using a male latex or female polyurethane condom.

Using sterile needles if injecting intravenous drugs.

Delaying sexual relationships as long as possible.

Having regular checkups for HIV and STDs.

Seeking medical help as soon as symptoms of a STD develops.

Avoiding sexual intercourse during menstruation.

Avoiding anal intercourse, or using a male latex condom and topical microbicides.

Avoiding vaginal douching.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Some STDs can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy. When diagnosed early, many STDs can be successfully treated.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive system. In most cases, it occurs when bacteria from the STD in the vagina or cervix move into the uterus and upper genital tract. The most common organisms that lead to PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Untreated PID can damage the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus, which can lead to chronic pelvic pain and serious damage to the reproductive system.

The good news is that PID symptoms can be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. The essential part is to detect it before it leads to serious health problems. Symptoms may include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge, possibly with an odor

Pain during urination or frequent urination

Aching pain in the lower abdomen

Pain in the upper abdomen or frequent urination

Fever and chills

Nausea and vomiting

Irregular menstrual bleeding

Pain during sex

Fatigue

Diarrhea

Back pain

A teen who is being treated for PID also should be tested for other STDs and should be encouraged to discuss sexual activity with their gynecologist or trusted adult.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call our Omaha clinic at (402) 815-1991 or our Council Bluffs clinic at (712) 396-7880.